Tiger Rag's Spring Sneak Peek: The Offense

Matt Deville

03/01/2006

Is it that time again?
It seems like just yesterday the LSU Tigers were romping to a 40-3 win over Miami in the Peach Bowl. Many had written off the Tigers after LSU got shellacked in the SEC Championship Game by the Georgia Bulldogs.

But the Tigers second trip to
Atlanta in
less than a month's time turned out to be just what Les Miles needed to spring
into year two as the Tigers head coach. LSU finished the season ranked No. 5 in
the final poll and is projected by some to open the 2006 campaign ranked
somewhere in the same neighborhood of that the way they closed out
2005.

National Signing Day came and went
as LSU reeled in a top five recruiting class. LSU had needs to be filled most
especially on the offensive and defensive line and Miles cashed in on top notch
talent in the state of Louisiana in fulfilling those
needs.

Now it is time to refocus on the
playing field as Miles leads his Tigers into spring practice beginning this
Saturday at the Charles McClendon Practice Facility.

Some key injuries in the backfield
will give some redshirt freshmen the opportunity to prove their worth in the
spring. Also on the offensive side of the ball, Miles will begin looking for
those players who will step up and fill four vacancies left on the Tigers'
offensive front.

THE
OFFENSE

Quarterback:

JaMarcus Russell

Matt Flynn

Ryan Perrilloux

Our best guess (as the
starter to open the season):

JaMarcus Russell

Why not get the debate going right
off the bat? Most Tiger fans can contain themselves when discussing Flynn's
outstanding performance in the Peach Bowl win over Miami. Flynn coolly led the
Tigers to their most dominating bowl victory ever and played brilliantly after
seeing limited playing time previously during his career. But remember, Russell
is 17-2 as LSU's starting quarterback and don't expect him to be ready to just
hand over the reigns to the offense. However, wrist surgery just after the bowl
game may keep Russell totally out of the mix this spring giving Flynn an
opportunity to get lots of reps with the first team. But toss in Perrilloux and
this is where it gets real interesting. With a year under his belt in the system
to grow, the ultra-talented redshirt freshman is going to be itching to get
going, especially since he realizes he would be the starter had he went to Texas
like he first planned. The job is safely Russell's until the Fall but that is
when Perrilloux is going to put the full court press on to leap into the
spotlight. It shapes up to be a great race. Unfortunately, it may end with one
of the three quarterbacks eventually playing elsewhere.

Don't expect Alley Broussard to do
much of anything this spring other than to run some drills and act as a
glorified cheerleader at the spring game. Justin Vincent will not take part in
spring drills due to a torn ACL in the Peach Bowl so expect to get a good look
at R.J. Jackson and Antonio Robinson in the spring at tailback. The speedy
Trindon Holliday will get some looks as a role player, but should serve as more
of a threat as a slot receiver. The job is Broussard's in the fall, but expect
true freshmen Keiland Williams and Charles Scott to make some noise for playing
time once they arrive in August. LSU is very deep at fullback as Hester proves
to be one of the most versatile players on this Tiger offense. It has been
rumored that linebacker Quinn Johnson will get a look at fullback this spring as
well.

Deep, deep, deep. The LSU receiving
corps will be touted as one of the deepest and most talented in the nation come
this fall. While the group does lose some star power with the losses of Skyler Green and Bennie Brazell, Dwayne Bowe returns as your dominant big player
receiver and Craig Davis and Early Doucet are as good as you will find anywhere.
It will be interesting to see if Xavier Carter is finally ready to be a football
player and if Brandon LaFell was able to finally add the necessary weight he
needs to be effective.

LSU is fortunate to have so many
different types of tight ends ranging from pass-catching receivers to your
blue-collar blocking ends. Zinger is the Tigers' best all-around tight end while
Mit Cole, Doug Planchard and Andrew Wright act more like a sixth offensive
lineman. Alonzo Manuel will get a new look switching from the defensive line to
tight end this spring after he got lost in the shuffle on the defensive side of
the ball.

When most people talk about
potential weaknesses for this Tiger team, the offensive line is usually the
first thing that pops up. But if you really look at the depth of the players
returning, there shouldn't be that much of a drop-off. Sure LSU must replace
four starters as Will Arnold is your only first teamer returning, but Herman
Johnson is poised to step in for the departed Andrew Whitworth and Brett Helms
is more than capable as a replacement for Rudy Niswanger at center. Brian
Johnson will take the place of Terrell McGill at guard, a position he played
last season nearly as much as McGill. Peter Dyakowski will be listed as the
replacement for Nate Livings at tackle, but look for true freshman Matt Allen
and junior college transfer Phil Loadholt to push for that spot when they
arrive. Also, watch for Carnell Stewart to make a showing on the offensive front
after being moved to offense from the D-line.